University of King’s College students, faculty members and outdoor lovers all flocked into cars eager to see the grandeur of Cape Split at the end of Sepember. The exhilarating day was a charming mix of climbing, communion, community and compline.
The excursion extended twelve kilometers down the Cape, with a distinguished midway view of a majestic rock-faced peninsula. The peninsula was imbued with wild flowers and framed by an enigmatic mist. The Cape marks the division of the Bay of Fundy from the Minas Basin and provides an idyllic spot to unwind. Students lounged in the grass, tackled the extensive Foundation Year Program booklist, chatted with friends or took part in a magical seaside communion presided by Father Gary Thorne.
Karis Tees, the Chapel Administrator at King’s, points out the importance of this trip to counter the transitory nature of student life. It gives students an opportunity to explore their surroundings, meet people outside their bubble and benefit from the therapeutic influences of nature.
“It’s a chance for students to be with each other, to be in community and to be spontaneous,” says Tees.
The enchanting day continued with a post-hike feast at the Parish of Cornwallis in Port Williams. At the Parish Hall, fortunate students soaked in the benevolence and warmth of this special community. The members of the Parish cooked an impressive spread that became a bountiful communal dinner.
To wrap up the heartwarming and invigorating day, there was an optional compline prayer, which Tees describes as “an ancient prayer, totally candlelit.” The prayer was held outside surrounded by towering trees, illuminated by twinkling starlight and the spellbinding glow of candles.
A Foundation Year Program student, Ruari Smith, describes the hike as being an ideal chance to get out of Halifax. Importantly, this fantastic chance to escape the quad is feasible for anyone and everyone. The Chapel is deeply committed to the importance of accessibility, with a pay-what-you-can philosophy in place. Smith appreciated that everyone was “together, but it didn’t feel like a school trip. No one was telling you what to do or where to be.”
The hike is a perfect opportunity for students to connect both with each other and the lush world of nature that surrounds Halifax. The trip was possible due to the generosity of the King’s College Chapel.